Fantasy baseball players in the news

1B | Adam LaRoche | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
The Washington Nationals' contract talks with free-agent 1B Adam LaRoche (Nationals) are going slowly, according to a source familiar with the discussions. LaRoche's top priority is to re-sign with the team after he turned down their qualifying offer of $13.3 million for one year. He's searching for at least a three-year deal. The Boston Red Sox have reported interest in him as well. OFs Mike Morse or Tyler Moore could be put at first base if Washington fails to bring LaRoche back.

C | Brian McCann | Atlanta Braves | Injury, FantasyAtlanta Braves C Gerald Laird will serve as the backup to C Brian McCann (shoulder) next season. However, with McCann expected to miss at least the first couple of weeks of the season, Laird will serve as the primary catcher for much of the season's first month.

OF | Justin Christian | St. Louis Cardinals | Transaction, Free Agents, Fantasy
The St. Louis Cardinals have reached agreement with free-agent OF Justin Christian (Giants) on a minor league contract, with an invitation to spring training camp.

OF | Josh Hamilton | free agent | Free AgentsSeattle Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said the team will not target free-agent OF Josh Hamilton (Rangers) this offseason. He is not ruling out signing Hamilton but said the length of the contract and the money he is seeking may be too much for the team to offer.

OF | Jay Bruce | Cincinnati Reds | FantasyCincinnati Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said the team won't be signing OF Jay Bruce to a contract extension anytime soon. "We control him for five more years," Jocketty said. "It's so far off. It's something we haven't talked about."

OF | Melky Cabrera | Toronto Blue Jays | FantasyToronto Blue Jays OF Melky Cabrera will be the obvious choice to start in left field next year. OF Rajai Davis is another option, but the team prefers to use him as the fourth outfielder and pinch-runner.

Starting Pitcher

SP | Hiroki Kuroda | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy,
Free-agent SP Hiroki Kuroda (Yankees) has elected not to pitch in next spring's World Baseball Classic for Team Japan.

SP | R.A. Dickey | New York Mets | Fantasy
The New York Mets are seeking a huge package in return for SP R.A. Dickey, and don't want to trade him unless they receive one.

SP | Carl Pavano | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
Dave Pepe, the agent for free-agent SP Carl Pavano (Twins), said he has received several preliminary calls regarding his client. A bone bruise in his right shoulder limited Pavano to only 11 starts in 2012 but he has been given a clean bill of health.

SP | Chris Sale | Chicago White Sox | Fantasy, Chicago White Sox SP Chris Sale is looking to build his endurance in the offseason after finishing inconsistently down the stretch last year. He has started doing crossfit workouts and is doing some pilates with a personal trainer in Florida. After starting to throw last November for the coming season, Sale has taken pitching coach Don Cooper's advice to wait until January to throw for the upcoming season. Sale surpassed his previous high for innings this year by 56 frames. He'll play light catch in mid to late December. "He's going to be treated like any other starter," said general manager Rick Hahn. "We are cautious with our guys and cognizant of the challenges that come with any six-month major league pitching regimen."

Relief Pitcher

RP | Andrew Carignan | Oakland Athletics | Injury, Oakland Athletics RP Andrew Carignan (elbow) is halfway through his rehab from Tommy John surgery, and he thinks he is on schedule in his recovery. "Everything feels great," said Carignan, who underwent the operation on June 19. "I've talked to enough people and kind of been around enough, so I kind of know what to expect, and I haven't had any surprises. So far, so good." He's currently throwing from 90 feet now after starting to throw a month ago. He doesn't expect to throw off a mound until spring training.

RP | J.P. Howell | free agent | Free Agents, Fantasy
Free-agent RP J.P. Howell (Rays) said multiple teams have expressed interest in him this offseason but he is unsure when he will make a final decision. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim could be one of the teams pursuing him.